CIDA-University of Regina, UST Kumasi Renewable Energy Project:
Its Significance to Ghana's Rural Electrification Programme and Spin-Off to the Private Sector.
Prof. Fred Akuffo
Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering Universty of Science and Technology, Kumasi
Paper presented at the seminar on MARKET PROSPECTS FOR SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEMS IN GHANA
organised by the Ghana Solar Energy Society at the British Council Hall, Accra, on 7
November 1997.
CIDA. Canadian International Development Agency
 | Overview |
| Objectives (Phases One &
Two) |
| A Summary of relevant key
findings socio-economic surveys by BIRD |
| Battery Charging Stations |
| Current Status &
Conclusions |
The CIDA-University of Regina/UST Renewable Energy Project is a collaborative effort being implemented as a pilot project in three rural comunities, namely: Dromankese in the Nkotanza District, Brong. Ahafo Region, Addo Nkwanta in the Ashanti North District, Eastern Region, and Asuhviae in the Teppa District, Ashanti Region.
It is an inter-disciplinary project aimed at introducing and diffusing sustainable renewable energy technologies to rural communities in Ghana. Currently solar-battery charging services, including solar distilled water are being sold at these centres called Solar Service Centres, Solar Home Lighting Systems and Battery Operated Systems have also been sold on a hire purchase basis, We have designed,manufactured and sold 18W Fluorescent lamps, battery LVD and 5 W Halogen Lamps. And now we have adapted the ordinary kerosene lantern to operate on solar charged batteries. The project has also expanded the 3 rural locations.
At UST-the Mechanical Engineerirg Department collaborates with the Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD), the Technology Consultancy Centre (TCC) and the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department in implementation of the Project.
The six year, 1.24million dollar renewable energy programme of education, resesrch, infrastructure development, manpower training, technology development and transfer, and information exchange is mainly funded by CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) contributing 900,000 dollars with the remaining amount coming from the participating universities, in kind.
The University of Regina in the Province of Saskatchewan is the partner institution in Canada and responsible for the overall project administration within the framework of CIDA's Institutional Cooperation Programme.
The contract for the project was signed in March 1992 initially for 5years, With CIDA's permission it was extended for an additional one year to cater for delays in implementation as a result of a series of strikes at UST in the early phase of the project,
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The goal of the project is to strengthen UST's capacity and capability to respond more effectively to national development priorities particularly the practical implications of renewable energy development for sustainable social and economic development of rural communities. It aims to provide rural communities with reliable, sustainable and cost effective solutions to the problem of shrinking traditional energy resources.
The project consists of two linked phases. In phase one CIDA /UR is assisting UST to develop infrastructure in the Mechanical Engineering Department to enable us expand and improve the quality of research as well as the development of practical solar energy systems. All the R & D is being done at UST. The main purpose of the second phase is to use the acquired skills and facilities to design, manufacture and promote the use of sustainable renewable energy systems in communities that will not have access to grid electricity for at least the next 10 years.
We are working on a variety of technologies, but in this presentation I will focus on PV electricity generation which was identified by BIRD as one of the priority needs of rural communities.
Specific Tasks
In order to meet the project objectives a set of specific tasks were defined:
PHASE I
| equipping a solar energy library and laboratory including books, software for design and simulation, computers, solar radiation measuring equipment, etc., |
| training 2 graduate students at the University of Regina in computer modelling and optimisation of solar-diesel hybrid systems; |
| training 6 technicians from UST in Canada in appropriate areas including CAD, electronics, computer data acquisition systems, solar pumps, and BOS |
| funding support for graduate students at UST |
| 6 UST faculty visits to UR to make new research contacts, update knowledge and ok4,18 |
| UR faculty visits to UST to support teaching of graduate and undergraduate courses as well as research |
PHASE 2
| socioeconomic surveys by BIRD using Rapid Rural Appraisal techniques to identify needs in 3 viable rural communities in the forest and transition zones Suitable for implementation of projects |
| feasibility studies by graduate students in mechanical engineering to establish demand levels and benefit cost ratios of conventional and renewable options of meeting needs, selection of suitable prototypes for laboratory testing and computer evaluation of technical performance (UST/UR) |
| design, installation and demonstration of technologies in selected rural locations |
| formation of local co-operative, selection and training of technician to manage and service technologies,(BIRD/TCC) |
| establishment of SOLAR SERVICE CENTRE and CENTRALIZED BATTERY CHARGING STATION |
| diffusion of technologies through the SSC |
| monitoring and evaluation (BIRD,TCC) |
| identify entrepreneurs and help set tip manufacturing facilities to sustain the results COMMERCIALIZATION (TCC) |
Status of Implementation
The project is generally on schedule and within budget. All activities in Phase I have been accomplished. In Phase 2, 1 estimate that we have 20% of work yet to be done. But this remaining work is significant, It includes further monitoring and evaluation by BIRD. We also need to generate more reports and disseminate the information we have acquired in a concluding seminar, And perhaps most important we need to complete our effort to commercialise the technologies we have developed and adapted in the project as a means & sustain the initiatives and realise the full benefits to the rural people as well as the economy as a whole. In this regard the TCC is currently conducting the necessary feasability studies.We would also like to share our experiences with sister countries in the sub region with similar rural conditions.
In order to achieve the latter objectives, we have asked for another one year extension with or without additional funding from CIDA.
Key Findings and Results
Many reports, covering the 3 project sites - Dromankese, Addo Nkwanta and Asuhyiaehave been produced by BIRD. They include biophysical, social and economic conditions as well as energy production and consumption patterns. There are also reports on monitoring Rctivities. TCC has also produced reports on the cash flow and business management of the SSC. Manv student theses and project reports on various aspects of the project implementation are also available. The quarterly and annual reports of the Project Administrator is also a rich source of information on the project activities. I should say that we at UST. do not submit reports to CIDA; that is done by the Project Administrator at University of Regina.
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A summary of relevant key findings from the socio- economic surveys by BIRD are as follows:
Following BIRD's recommendations, we decided to focus on PV applications. Detailed surveys were then conducted at Dromankese in 33 relatively well off homes to establish electricity demand levels and to design and cost Stand Alone Solar Home Systems for each household. This work was done by one graduate student for his MSc thesis. He spent more than 2 weeks in the community and whilst there he demonstrated solar lanterns. Some of his findings are presented; some of them are well known, but they are still informative.
Household Expenditure on Fuels
The average monthly expenditure on Kerosene and Dry Cell Batteries is $11.79. If expenditure on transportation and charging of batteries at Nkoranza once a week is added, the amount is doubled. Some well off individuals are paying this amount. Today this amount is nearly 030,000/month.
The average annual output per household is $645,000 i.e. $53,000 per month,
Electricity Demand Estimates
Demand estimates were very generous and were based on substituting Solar PV for the Kerosene lanterns, dry cells and car batteries. Since then we have actually installed much smaller systems (5OpW, 66pW, I OOPW max) because of the superior quality lighting from PV system.
If we allow 100PW system per household, then approximately 500wh =0.5kwh may be adequate.
Array Size and Cost
Following the estimates we evaluated the B/C ratios and found them to be on the low side from .039 to .415. The initial cost of the PV system was also too high.
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TV and Radio
TV and Radio Operation appeared very profitable and we decided on providing centralised battery charging stations to enable TV watching and radio operation.
Lanterns
The simulation studies also showed that there would be enough energy dumped that could be used to charge Lanterns
 Technicians at the University of Science
& Technology explain the use of rechargeable batteries to operate small appliances
such as lamps. A member of Akwasiho Village looks on. |
We decided to promote solar lanterns and started testing the lanterns on the market to see if they could be substituted for the Kerosene lantern: we found that they were not robust enough.
Solar Distilled Water
We added distilled water production from solar stills so the Centres would not have to purchase distilled water from Nkoranza.
|
Service Centres
The concept of the Solar Service Centre became obvious as soon as we supplied the battery charging centres with PV lighting, TV and radio/tape cassettes so that people can come there to watch TIV and listen to music. The demonstration effect was thus reinforced,
Cash Flow
The earnings from the Battery Charging Centre was very low although we had 2 lines each capable of charging a 50AH battery daily. As it turned out nearly all the batteries were dead car batteries which were not serviceable. We therefore decided to offer a high purchase scheme for cooperative members to acquire batteries.
Individual Solar Home Systems
It became apparent that what people really desired was electric lighting. And in about 6 months after the lights at the Service Centre were installed, 2 individuals bought their own 66PW systems and paid off in less than one year.
Battery Operated System: 5W Halogen Lamp)
We also decided that we should pursue the design of lighting systems that could be operated on batteries to be recharged at the Centre. We also produced a cut-out to prevent excessive battery discharge.
In addition to the 3 project sites we have installed systems in other locations. The demand for the systems is high and we are unable to meet the demand, Many persons come to out laboratory who are convinced of the long term benefits of PV lighting systems in Ghana in spite of the high initial cost.
The unreliability of the grid and the frequent outages appear to help the solar Technology
Our experience shows that the PV technology is easy to install and maintenance is minimal, Farmers can be trained to maintain them.
Batteries
We have installed car batteries in homes and in bars for nearly 2 years now and none has failed.
Training
We are willing to provide training for technicians and to provide technical support to all entrepreneurs who wish to pursue to solar PV business,
CONCLUSIONS
Solar Battery Charging Centres and Solar Service Centres are very helpful to people in rural communities and they have been accepted. They serve as very good community centres and for adult education. And they should be promoted by District Assemblies.
But the cash tlows are very low and private entrepreneurs are not likely to realise quick profits
Experience shows however, that people who start with battery charging usually move up and in a short while acquire complete lighting systems. That is where the business is and I will recommend that to you without hesitation. Use the Service Centre for that purpose as a promotion unit and develop your solar lighting business from the Centre.
There are many other products that we can manufacture and sell profitably: regulators, lamps, lanterns generally called BOS,
The market for solar is far bigger than it seems and I believe it will get even bigger: all the peri-urban communities and the small scattered communities far removed from the grid. In the developing world there are apparently 2 billion people without electricity and with no hope of having access soon.
But there is a need for careful policy considerations by the MEM! to reduce the high import tax and duties, close to 30% of CIF values,Where feasible, the ministry should adopt the solar options under the NES
The Ministry should vigorously support R & D and large scale commercial demonstration.
District Assemblies should consider solar PV systems to provide lighting for studies by school children and for adult education.
Each one of us here should purchase a solar back-up lighting system; you will neither sleep in darkness again nor curse ECG and VRA.
The solar panel has a 20 year lifetime and you will not pay electricity bills again for 20 years.
Say good bye to lights off. GO SOLAR.
Mr. Chairman:
Ghana has abundant solar energy resources, The relevant quantities in various location have been measured by our Meteorological Services for more than the past 30 years.
We also have the personnel with the relevant knowledge: Since 1985 when Prof F K A Allotey created the E R G, interest in Renewable Energy has remained very high throughout our universities and in our government ministry, For nearly a decade and on annual basis we have had an activity either a National symposium or an International College such as will start this coining Monday at the GAEC to update knowledge and share experience.
The CIDA project which I have described has expanded and consolidated our capacity and capabilities. We have also demonstrated that there is a viable market out there comprising the 4 million Ghanaians who do not have access to the period.
The GEF project will give us additional experience required for large scale electricity supply from Solar - PV. Arid in Ghana we have the entrepreneurs and businessmen who are ready to take up the solar challenge.
The global community is now ready for solar mainly because of its environmental benefits and assured sources of supply, but we cannot benefit from our abundant resources as well as the investment in human resources until we create a vibrant creative industry that is robust enough to take advantage of all these elements as well as the opportunities offered by the international community
And for this to happen, Government Policy on Solar PV should discourage buying and selling. The Policy should discourage contracts for importation and installation only and favour more those who wish to add value through local manufacturing and assembly of BOS.
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Objectives | Akwasiho Village Solar
Cottage | Global Village Shops | Global
Village Certification Process
